Auchenstroan Coloured Ryelands
We are Adrian and Nicole Doyle and this is our web site where we show our life on our small holding and showcase the products that we sell.
We are delighted to offer a range of handmade felted fleece rugs, also known as “vegetarian sheepskin rugs”, and handmade felted fleece cushions. These are made from the wool (not the sheepskin) from our own sheep and no animal is harmed in the process. You can buy them from our shop, please have a look.
We have also just published Adrian’s book on smallholding life which you can buy in our shop (paperback – UK only) or via Amazon (paperback and ebook).
Latest Stories from Auchenstroan
Water system extended
Once a year, we borrow some cows from a neighbouring farm. We do these because they are good for the pasture. They eat out the long grass making it accessible
Cherokee calls out Mountain rescue
Our chickens have a large area in which they can roam freely. They share it with the sheep as the sheeps' winter hay and main shelter are located in this
Carrot box ready
We try to grow as many of the vegetables we eat as we can. However, in the last couple of years, we have been engaged in a battle of wills
Sheep vaccinations go well
One of the annual responsibilities we have as smallholders is to vaccinate the sheep. Each year, they get an injection of Heptavac. The interesting challenge is how best to do
Next year’s firewood
Our heating runs mainly on wood. We have a woodburner which also acts as a boiler. This means we can get through a fair amount of wood each winter. In
New book published
We are pleased to announce that Adrian's new book, "This Smallholding Life". Drawing on the experiences of moving from suburban to smallholding living, this book highlights the highs and lows
Storms blow wall down
While the weather has been generally mild this winter, we recently were hit by a sequence of storms, one after another. It got pretty windy at times. [caption id="attachment_8164" align="alignright"
Yukky Weather for Sheep
Hiya!! Ymogen here, or Ymo as they sometimes call me. It has been a while but I'm still here, happy as ever. HOWEVER, the weather has been vile. What can
Stopping Slugs and Snails
Last year, we planted a lot of carrots, beetroot, parsnips and turnips (swedes to non Scots). As root crops, these are best sown direct as they don't like to be
Winter comings and goings
Up until recently, the winter weather has not been too bad. It hasn't been too good either, but from a smallholding perspective, it has been OK. By that, I mean
Sheep get haircuts and health checks
It’s a long time since our flock were sheared, 7 months to be precise! Plenty of time for a sheep of a woolly persuasion to get a touch of the
The burden of leadership
Hi, Selene here. As you might already know, Peaches, our leader for some years, passed away last month. Having felt that I have been deputy for a while, I thought
Reviews
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I love the look and feel of sheepskin but could never buy it because of the cruelty involved. I looked on Google to see if there were any vegan alternatives, and found your site. I love the fact that I can buy sheep wool without there being any harm done to the sheep. I had never heard of felting before. I also enjoy reading about whats going on at auchenstroan wool, from both you and the sheep! Your sheep look so happy and healthy.
I bought the Ynca rug as a gift and can testify to its beauty and quality. The texture and natural colours of the fleece ensure its uniqueness as does its provenance which is very pleasingly described in a wee accompanying biography of the very happy sheep whose wool is the source material of the rug. (This touch exemplifies the very personal customer experience I had.) I am delighted with the purchase and glad to have been able to support the admirable ethos which Nicole and Adrian have established as the basis of their work.
Arrived a few days after ordering. Now pride of place in my office keeping my feet warm while working at my desk.
Peaches’ natural color fleece rug looks great in my new bathroom and so soft underfoot! Best of all, she gets to continue to enjoy her home outdoors in the fields! A++ seller
I love this beautiful rug , a sheepskin without the skin as the back has been felted . It arrived quicky, was beautifully packaged , including a postcard about Ethel the lamb, the previous owner of the wool , and also comprehensive washing instructions.
